Latest California Healthline Stories
Oakland Police Dept. Receive Training on Mental Illnesses
Nearly 10% of the Oakland Police Department’s 650 patrol officers have completed a training program for dealing with individuals with mental illnesses, post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues. Data show that the department receives about 19 mental health-related 911 calls each day, or nearly 7,000 annually. San Francisco Chronicle.
Some Medicaid Enrollees Could Lose Coverage as States Modify Programs
Thousands of beneficiaries could lose their Medicaid coverage as states’ experimental versions of the program expire. Meanwhile, many former prisoners will be eligible for coverage under the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. Washington Post, Stateline/Kaiser Health News.
Study: Patients Benefit From Online Access to EHR Data
Most patients who had online access to their electronic health record data experienced improved communication with their health care providers and greater engagement in their care, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. However, the study found that some patients said they experienced negative effects stemming from derogatory language in physician notes and inconsistencies between physicians’ verbal and written comments. FierceEMR, InformationWeek.
Judge Denies Bid To End Federal Oversight of Prison Health Care
A federal judge has rejected Gov. Brown’s request to end federal oversight of California’s prison health care system. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says that state officials plan to appeal the ruling. Los Angeles Times et al.
Funding Shortage Hampers Valley Fever Treatment
A lack of funding is hindering treatment and prevention of valley fever, according to an investigative series by the Reporting on Health Collaborative. Researchers say that 150,000 people contract valley fever annually and millions of dollars are spent treating those patients, but valley fever receives far less funding than other diseases that affect fewer people. Stockton Record.
Recent Flu Season One of the Worst in Calif., Officials Say
According to the California Department of Public Heath, there were 62 influenza-related deaths in California this flu season, far more than the 20 flu-related deaths reported last year. Experts say the increase could have been caused in part by more testing and better reporting among physicians this year. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Columnist Calls on UCLA To Collaborate With Area Doctors
Ventura County Star columnist Ritch Eich questions the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine’s recent decision “to expand its network of primary and secondary physician offices in the Conejo Valley and elsewhere.” He argues that a “better approach … would be for UCLA to engage the local medical community in discussion of the expansion plans and, wherever possible, to collaborate with them.” Ventura County Star.
Expert: Loan Repayment Programs Not Enough To Curb Doctor Shortage
A California Academy of Family Physicians official says that loan repayment programs might not be enough to curb a state doctor shortage. She urged officials to make other changes, such as altering payment methods. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Assembly Health Panel OKs Bill To Tighten Charity Care Rules
The Assembly Health Committee has approved a bill that could remove some not-for-profit hospitals’ tax-exempt status. However, the committee chair says the bill’s definition of charity care should better reflect ways such hospitals can lose money. Contra Costa Times, AP/Sacramento Bee.
High-Deductible Plans Do Not Promote Cheaper Health Care
Patients with consumer-directed health plans — which have low premiums and high deductibles — paid roughly the same amount for care as individuals with traditional health plans, according to a study co-authored by researchers from the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The study — co-sponsored by the California HealthCare Foundation — examined whether patients with higher deductibles were more likely to seek cost-efficient medical care. UPI, USC release.